The Security Council has unanimously agreed to almost double the UN peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone.

A resolution approved by all 15 members expands the force from 6,000 military personnel to 11,100 to make up for the departure of the Nigerian-led intervention force, Ecomog, that helped restore President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah to power.

The increased force will be the largest operation currently undertaken by the UN.

Ceasefire

The council set up the force last October to monitor a ceasefire signed by the rebels and government in July as well as overseeing the disarming of fighters from the country's nine-year civil war.

The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated the economy of the former British colony.

During the war thousands of civilians suffered horrendous injuries at the hands of rebel soldiers who accused them of supporting Mr Kabbah.

But despite the peace agreement, UN monitors reported last week that the rebels were again looting villages, burning houses, raping women and mutilating civilians in northern areas.

Security duties

The reinforced UN operation will help disarm an estimated 45,000 former combatants.

It will provide security at key locations previously guarded by the Nigerian-led force, including government buildings, important intersections, and Lungi airport outside the capital, Freetown.

The peacekeepers will also help local law enforcement agencies maintain order, guard weapons collections, and help move humanitarian aid throughout the country.

The council extended the peacekeepers' mandate for another six months.

It also approved the troops using force to protect themselves and civilians when threatened with imminent violence.